The Rays have chosen their temporary home for the 2025 season: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Steinbrenner Field is the spring training site of the Yankees and the regular season home of the Tampa Tarpons, New York's Single-A affiliate. Colleen WrightMarc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times were the first to announce the news.
The Rays justified their decision by calling Steinbrenner Field “the most prepared facility in the Tampa Bay region to host regular-season Major League Baseball games.” Topkin). Hal Steinbrenner, managing partner of the Yankees, commented on the decision with his own statement:
“We are pleased to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing them with a major league-quality facility this season. Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay area, and we understand how important it is for Rays players, staff and fans to have their home games in 2025 within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field. In times like these, rivalry and competition take a backseat to doing what is right for our community – which continues to help families and businesses recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”
The Yankees will continue to play their spring games at Steinbrenner Field, according to the league, and the Rays will continue as usual in March, hosting their games at their annual home stadium in Port Charlotte.
As for the regular season, Tim Kephart of the Associated Press reports that the tarpon will use other areas of the spring system. Prior to Opening Day, upgrades will be made to the stadium to “ensure fans continue to have a wonderful experience,” the league’s press release said. The facility itself has already undergone recent improvements, including improved lighting, a larger locker room, and improved training and rehab facilities. According to Kephart, the Yankees will receive $15 million in additional revenue if they agree to host the Rays in 2025. However, this does not come at the expense of the Rays' revenue, but rather at the expense of insurance and other indirect opportunities.
